A NORTH-WEST Glasgow MSP has joined an elderly charity in urging low-income pensioners in the area to act quickly to claim extra cash to help them through the winter.

Bill Kidd, MSP for Glasgow Anniesland, and Age Scotland have teamed up to remind those eligible to get their application in ahead of Sunday's deadline to claim Pension Credit.

Pension Credit provides pensioners on a low income with extra money and other helpful support. 

It can top up their weekly income to £182.60 if they are single, and £278.70 if they are making a joint claim with a partner, as well as cutting council tax bills, help with energy costs and a free TV licence if they are over the age of 75. 

Anyone who makes a successful Pension Credit application to the Department for Work and Pensions by this Sunday, December 18, will also be entitled to a £324 lump sum financial support payment.  

This is because a claim for Pension Credit can be backdated for up to three months, provided the entitlement conditions are met throughout that time. 

Mr Kidd said: “With growing numbers of older people struggling to cope with the rising cost of living, there has never been a more important time to make sure you are receiving everything to which you are entitled. 

“Every year in Scotland, hundreds of millions of pounds in social security payments go unclaimed by older people due to lack of awareness, difficulty in accessing them, stigma surrounding benefits or just not knowing where to turn for help. 

“I would encourage people to call Age Scotland’s helpline to find out if they are entitled to Pension Credit or make an application directly via the gov.uk website as soon as possible.” 

Age Scotland interim chief executive Michelle Supple added: “Pension Credit is not only an essential benefit, but it opens the door to much more additional support including help with energy bills in the winter, a free TV licence for over-75s, help with rent and council tax reduction, free dental care and reduced water bills. 

“We are urging all pensioners on a low income to act quickly and start the application process or call our helpline 0800 12 44 222 for advice. We don’t want to see anyone miss out on extra cost of living support, especially with Christmas around the corner.” 

Age Scotland, the national charity for older people, can help identify if someone is eligible for Pension Credit and offer advice on applying by calling their helpline on 0800 12 44 222, where advisers can carry out a full benefits check, or check their eligibility online at www.age.scot/benefitscalculator.